The Secondhand Effects of Alcohol Use and the Risks of Drinking to Cope

Objective: The secondhand effects of alcohol use (SEA) are adverse consequences caused by another's drinking. This study explored the relationship among the experience of SEAs, alcohol use, and alcohol related consequences (ARC). In addition, we examined whether coping (i.e., adaptive, maladaptive, substance use coping, maladaptive coping without substance use items) served as a moderator of SEA effects on alcohol outcomes. Method: 1,168 students completed a survey assessing SEA, alcohol outcomes, ARC, and coping strategies. Results: SEA was significantly positively associated with alcohol use (RR[subscript heavydrinking] = 1.05, SE = 0.005, p < 0.01; RR[subscript AUDIT] = 1.04, SE = 0.005, p < 0.01) as well as ARC (RR = 1.06, SE = 0.005, p < 0.01). Various forms of maladaptive coping moderated the relationship between SEA and alcohol outcomes. Conclusion: This study provided evidence for a relationship between SEA and more alcohol use and ARC. This relationship was exacerbated by maladaptive coping.